I have had a headache every day since June 4, 2012, when I contracted an enterovirus. My migraines are actually "Post-infectious headache", aka New Persistent Daily Headache. They are a direct result of a bout of viral meningitis in June-July 2012. Diagnosis was made 9/29/12 from results of a lumbar puncture. This type of headache has migrainous characteristics (nausea, noise and light sensitivity, etc.) but is actually a different headache. There is no ICD code for it yet. It does not respond to any typical migraine medications. It does respond to narcotics, but doctors severely limit these for fear of addiction or trouble for themselves. It is extremely frustrating... and depressing.

Having lupus may contribute to this syndrome; there may be an element of inflammation of nerves. Nerve damage is another theory. Multiple doctors have worked with me to attempt relief.

The pain is always across my forehead to my temples and behind my eyes, bilateral.

Botox and nerve block injections are part of the attempts to relieve the pain. Peppermint oil on my temples helps sometimes. Pot does too, and using it keeps the nausea down. BUT I can't do anything while high! Waiting for medicinal marijuana to be available here in Mass. Dispensaries supposed to be up and running in 2014.

Overwhelmed by so many things to do before leaving town for NYC and PA. Would really like to not go now; so much work to do and I don't like feeling this pressured. BUT - I NEED a vacation and I HAVE to meet w/client on Friday. And I want to spend my birthday with Mimi! The drive is the real drag - exhausting and painful. Takes days to a week to recover afterward.

ALSO: Worried about thyroid - RI-123 scan in a month to see what the mass is.
- Starting Kabat-Zin's Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction program at UMass Medical Center is exciting - my hero's program! Hope to get back to really meditating and having some control over the pain stress in my life. At the same time, it's going to require a lot of effort and dedication on my part. I know I'm up for it, but am afraid it will be draining too.
- Starting to work w/Boston Pain Care center, new approach for my post-meningitis headaches. They are accepting me into their Medication Management program; long term use of narcotics/opoids to put the headaches to bed, most probably. God, I hope and pray it works. I need relief if I am going to survive. Really. I can't live like this... and I want to be able to take a percocet WITHOUT GUILT! (Thank Dr. Kaboli for that one.)